Program Options

SCC's Electronics Engineering program is one of the original programs dating back to when SCC was founded in 1967.

The opportunities in this field are vast because the world we live in depends heavily on electronics. Consider for a moment: Our
morning coffee maker uses electronics. New cars on our highways use dedicated computer circuits to control virtually every aspect of
their operation. Many now have GPS navigation and communication systems to add safety and convenience to driving. Even the light in our
homes comes from utilities heavily dependent on electronics. In virtually every field, electronics plays a growing role.

The graduate of SCC's Electronics Engineering program earns an associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree with a special emphasis as shown.
Each option requires seven quarters of training. The first five quarters include core classes taken by all students.
The sixth and seventh quarters allow the student the flexibility to specialize in an area of his or her interest.

Avionics systems-components used for aircraft navigation and radio communications, weather radar systems, and other instruments and computers that
control flight, engine, and other primary functions-are now an integral part of aircraft design and have vastly increased aircraft capability.
Avionics technicians repair and maintain these systems. Their duties may require additional licenses, such as a radiotelephone license issued by
the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Because of the increasing use of technology, more time is spent repairing electronic systems,
such as computerized controls. Technicians also may be required to analyze and develop solutions to complex electronic problems.

Work Environment

Mechanics usually work in hangars or in other indoor areas. When hangars are full or when repairs must be made quickly, they may work outdoors,
sometimes in unpleasant weather. Mechanics often work under time pressure to maintain flight schedules or, in general aviation, to keep from
inconveniencing customers. At the same time, mechanics have a tremendous responsibility to maintain safety standards, and this can cause the job
to be stressful.

Frequently, mechanics must lift or pull objects weighing more than 70 pounds. They often stand, lie, or kneel in awkward positions and occasionally
must work in precarious positions, such as on scaffolds or ladders. Noise and vibration are common when engines are being tested, so ear protection
is necessary.

Aircraft mechanics usually work 40 hours a week on 8-hour shifts around the clock. Overtime and weekend work is frequent.

Avionics is a contraction of aviation and electronics. Avionics is involved with all the electronics on board an aircraft, and includes the areas
of communication, navigation, and flight control. The Avionics Technician option prepares students to work in general aviation avionics repair
stations. The person who desires a career in avionics is someone who enjoys working with both their hands and their mind. A fondness of aviation
is a plus but most avionics jobs do not require flying. A strong desire to perform all work to at or near perfection is required since all work
must be inspected and approved before it can be returned to service.

Unless you choose to get into the manufacturing end, where jobs tend to be
more routine, work in these areas offers a lot of variety. You may be on top of a mountain installing or repairing equipment one day, and in an
office the next. Often the variety includes computer work, installation, equipment modification, and system engineering.

The plus
side in this area is higher pay, but the downside can include working by yourself (not necessarily a negative) and being on-call 24 hours a day.
Because of the variety and the higher pay, competition for these jobs is greater and the individual must gain experience before advancing
into them.

Duties

The communications technician is responsible for the maintenance, installation, calibration, and repair of communication equipment. This
equipment may include transmitters and receivers, signal processing equipment, antennas, coaxial and fiber optic transmission lines, and mobile
equipment. The communications technician also operates a variety of specialized test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, time domain
reflectometers (TDRs), power meters, frequency counters, network analyzers and RF generators. Additionally, the communication technician uses
hand tools to replace defective components and adjust equipment to ensure that it performs within required specifications. The communications
technician may work out of doors as a field technician or in an indoor repair facility or studio.

Qualifications

The communication technician must have manual dexterity and an aptitude for working with electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems.
Because the communications technician may be involved with the repair or manufacturing of mechanical devices, the use of hand and power tools
is also a necessity.

The average person who uses a personal computer occasionally needs help installing, maintaining or repairing their equipment. Assisting PC users is
the work of the computer service technician.

Computer service technicians may opt to go into one of the many areas in manufacturing. This might include working on numerical controlled machinery,
system process control, or a variety of other computer - controlled applications.

Students who choose this option take two final quarters in specialized classes dealing in computers and local area networks (LANS). When they graduate,
they have the background to install, service and sell computers. Alternately, they may become involved in equipment testing and automated test systems.

Duties

Computer service technicians troubleshoot problems in computer systems and software to isolate faults, replace parts and get the system back in
operation as quickly as possible. Although technicians do not write software programs, they are able to decide whether problems are caused in the
computer's software or hardware.

Qualifications

Computer service technicians should have good math aptitude, technical aptitude for working on a variety of electronic equipment, and strong logical
thinking skills. You must also be detail-oriented, enjoy working with your hands, and have excellent troubleshooting skills. Stamina and patience are
also important characteristics of the computer service technician.

Since computer equipment technicians are expected to repair equipment used by others, they must also be able to communicate and work with them. People
skills are crucial. You should be adept at listening to others as they explain problems with the equipment. You must also be able to communicate clearly
and tactfully when you are training people or correcting operator error.

All course offerings are subject to change. The college cannot guarantee class offerings,
designated times or specific instructors - as funding levels and student interest may affect whether or not an
offering is available.

Gainful Employment Disclosures

Manufacturing Technician

This option is completed by collaborative effort between the student, the Electronics Department Chair, and the Department in which the student
wants to finish this degree.

Example of the Degree option: The student may wish to know about electrical PLC's (programmable logic circuits).
The collaborative effort would be between the student, department chair, and electrical department.